Banjo’s Bakery Cafe has launched a pilot program, opening its franchise development program to high school students for the first time.
Over the two-week trial, students from Helensvale State High School will gain an insight into business ownership with a hands-on version of Banjo’s Self Raising Program, which helps transform employees into business owners.
The students who want to build on the experience will be encouraged to apply for a role with Banjo’s.
The first cohort of students spent a half-day on 28 July behind the scenes at Banjo’s Helensvale learning about bakery operations, customer service, marketing, staffing and the fundamentals of running a successful business.
Helensvale franchisee and Self Raising graduate Donna Bosworth said she hoped the experience would broaden students’ career aspirations.
“It’s really special to be able to open our doors, give students a look behind the scenes and hopefully introduce them to opportunities they might never have known existed,” Bosworth said.
“Four years ago, my husband and I were both public servants in Hobart. Today we’re running our own bakery on the Gold Coast. Sometimes all it takes is someone showing you what’s possible.”
The adapted program gives insights into business ownership
Banjo’s adapted the Self Raising Program, usually taken by employees and new franchisees, to give students real world experience and a hands-on introduction to business ownership.
If successful, the Gold Coast pilot could pave the way for a full rollout across Banjo’s national network, giving more young Australians the chance to discover entrepreneurship before they finish school.
Almost half (47 per cent) of Australian secondary school students would like to start a business when they leave school, if they knew how, according to research released by NAB in 2025.
Banjo’s Bakery Cafe CEO Jessica Saxby said “Our Self Raising Program has always been about recognising potential and giving people the skills and support to become successful business owners.
“All of our bakeries opened in the last decade are owned by graduates of the program, so we’re excited to see what happens when we introduce those same principles to students before they leave school.”
